Advice on not having a flooded basement this year
Freezing pipes and flooded basements can be avoided if taken into consideration. Follow a few precautions and protect your basement. Inspections from time to time to see if there is a water problem in your basement could save you money and a substantial amount of damage. One precaution is to check if walls are moist. This is usually an indication that there is a plumping problem. Check for water stains and follow the trail to locate the source. To lessen chances of further damage with any type of leak it will have be fixed immediately. Sweaty pipes can cause mold corrosion and rot if not properly taken care of. To help reduce condensation try insulating pipes.
A good defense against flood water is a sump pump. This system keeps unwanted water out by directing it away from your home. When inspecting the sump pump make sure that it isn’t clogged or frozen so water can be routed away. To determine if the sump pump is running fill the sump pump pit with water and watch that it is pumping water out. If the sump pump is battery powered replace battery when needed. Other precaution are to make sure that in the discharge line air hole is clean and that it is also not emitting off strange noises. Monitor heating and air conditioning systems regularly to insure they’re working properly. Check to see if the drain pan is removed of dust and debris to insure that it is flowing freely. Inspect filters to see if they need to be replaced. Water heater, exhaust fan, dryer fans, etc should be inspected to insure they are working properly. Even with the best water defenses homes are still not waterproof. As years go on the foundation of your home shifts and settles causing gaps and cracks. After a heavy rainfall or melting snow check to see that there isn’t an excessive amount of water around your home which can lead to moisture in your basement or leaks. Position the gutter so the water is diverted away from the house by pointing the gutter down a slope towards a sidewalk or a sewage drain. Check gutter systems from time to time to see that there aren’t clogged too.
Small flooding can be taken care with household items such as a mop, towel, or a wet vacuum. A wet vacuum not to be confused with a regular vacuum is a machine designed to be used with wet environments. The wet vacuum is useful with extracting small amounts of water, but not so effective with serious flooding. Contacting professionals would be the safest procedure to do when dealing with a flood. The water may be cleaned up, but there could be underlying issue such as mold or fungus in walls or under the floor that you may be able to indicate.
